Flotilla 4's newest Recreational Safe Boating Program Partner is the new Bass Pro Shop in Altoona. The store had its grand opening this weekend and Auxilarists from Flotilla 4 and Flotilla 6 were there talking to the public about water safety and America's Waterway Watch. Customers talked to Auxilarists about life jackets and boating safety on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

This month's newsletter has articles about our mission operations, our public education activities and about Doug Jansen going to the Public Affairs C-School. Thank you to all of our contributors who made this month's edition possible. The submission deadline for Above Board is the first Friday of each month. Photos, narratives, and information is always appreciated.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

As of today Flotilla 4 has another Personal Watercraft (PWC) on the books as an operational facility to serve the missions of the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

Auxilarist Phil Patterson's PWC will be used to patrol local lakes and rivers. Its speed and manueverability will help with covering a large area quickly and effectively. Phil hopes to complete his qualification as a PWC operator by the end of the month.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Here is an after picture with the boat all decked out with Coast Guard Auxiliary ensigns and signage.

(U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Photo By John Halbrook)

After several months of refurbishment and hard work, Flotilla 4 has gained another Operational Facility. John Halbrook's 14' Jon Boat is now a facility and will be used to patrol the Des Moines River. It took sanding, scrubbing, painting and a lot of TLC to get the boat brought up to snuff, but it is now ready to hit the water. With its shallow draft it is an ideal platform for patrolling the Des Moines River where the river is not always suitable for the Lady Grace to patrol.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Iowa DNR and the Coast Guard Auxiliary teamed up to make water safety fun by having a water safety beach party at Sandpiper Beach at Saylorville Lake. The event was aimed at families with children to learn about water safety in a fun way.

There were several stations that kids both big and small could enjoy. Kids and parents got to learn how to toss a throw bag to a person in the water at one station. At another station kids got to get fitted for a life jacket so that they knew what size they needed. Kids got to also try out a third station known as the "Sink Fast" station where they learned what to do if their boat is sinking and how to quickly react. Finally, the Iowa DNR provided t-shirts for kids to design and make up with water safety themes.

USCG Eighth District

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This is an official United States Coast Guard Auxiliary posting for the public's information. Our posting does not endorse this site or anything on it, including links to other sites, and we disclaim responsibility and liability for the site and its content.

The Flotilla 4 Blog is produced for the members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and its extended family. Editorial content is unofficial and not authority for action. Views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard, or the Coast Guard Auxiliary.